The French national holiday is called the Fourteenth of July, not "Bastille Day" like in English. It commemorates the storming of this famous prison on 14 July 1789 and the start of the French Revolution. A symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th’s Ancient Regime, the Bastille’s capture by the people proved that the king’s power was no longer absolute: the French demanded that it be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.

The French national holiday is called the Fourteenth of July, not "Bastille Day" like in English. It commemorates the storming of this famous prison on 14 July 1789 and the start of the French Revolution. A symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th’s Ancient Regime, the Bastille’s capture by the people proved that the king’s power was no longer absolute: the French demanded that it be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.

Despite holding only seven prisoners in 1789, the storming of the prison became a symbol of freedom and the fight against oppression. Like the tricolor flag, it represented the Republic’s three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all. With the end of the absolute monarchy, the sovereign Nation was born and, in 1792, the First Republic was invented.

Despite holding only seven prisoners in 1789, the storming of the prison became a symbol of freedom and the fight against oppression. Like the tricolor flag, it represented the Republic’s three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all. With the end of the absolute monarchy, the sovereign Nation was born and, in 1792, the First Republic was invented.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, delegates from every region of France met in Paris for the Fête de la Fédération. They proclaimed their allegiance to a single national community and claimed their right to self-determination.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, delegates from every region of France met in Paris for the Fête de la Fédération. They proclaimed their allegiance to a single national community and claimed their right to self-determination.

It wasn’t until 1880, when France had become definitively republican, that deputy Benjamin Raspail tabled the law declaring 14 July the national holiday. The fall of the Bastille thus has such a strong meaning because it’s equivalent to the birth of the Republic.

It wasn’t until 1880, when France had become definitively republican, that deputy Benjamin Raspail tabled the law declaring 14 July the national holiday. The fall of the Bastille thus has such a strong meaning because it’s equivalent to the birth of the Republic.

In the US, the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, while in France, the storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the Great Revolution. The national holidays of both countries symbolize the beginning of their new forms of government.

In the US, the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, while in France, the storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the Great Revolution. The national holidays of both countries symbolize the beginning of their new forms of government.

In France, Bastille Day is celebrated with parades of service members and veterans during the day and fireworks in the evening. However, people don’t wish one another a "Happy Bastille Day." They might go so far as to say "Have a good holiday."

In France, Bastille Day is celebrated with parades of service members and veterans during the day and fireworks in the evening. However, people don’t wish one another a "Happy Bastille Day." They might go so far as to say "Have a good holiday."

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3 Responses

Jasmine15 July 2017 / 0:55

Hello Laura,
I simply enjoy reading on your website. The articles are interesting and helpful in understanding the language and culture of France. This website has really guided me in my learning of french.
Warm regards,
Jasmine

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